do I need topo software? I am looking at this unit to replace a Suunto GPS my son received as a gift. The Suunto reception is horrible where we live/hike, and this one seems like it will be much better.But I'm new to the whole GPS scene, and I don't really understand about the base maps versus buying additional map software. My son wants to use the unit to do geo-caching. At least at first, we will be doing easy caches near well-established walking trails. It would be nice if the trail showed up on the map, but probably not critical.I should add that we will not be using it for street navigation (for the most part anyhow) since we do have a Garmin StreetPilot i5 for use in the car. So this unit will be just for hiking/geocaching and/or whatever else a 13yo boy can think of to do with a GPS.Thanks! do I need topo software? I am looking at this unit to replace a Suunto GPS my son received as a gift. The Suunto reception is horrible where we live/hike, and this one seems like it will be much... » Read More do I need topo software? I am looking at this unit to replace a Suunto GPS my son received as a gift. The Suunto reception is horrible where we live/hike, and this one seems like it will be much better.But I'm new to the whole GPS scene, and I don't really understand about the base maps versus buying additional map software. My son wants to use the unit to do geo-caching. At least at first, we will be doing easy caches near well-established walking trails. It would be nice if the trail showed up on the map, but probably not critical.I should add that we will not be using it for street navigation (for the most part anyhow) since we do have a Garmin StreetPilot i5 for use in the car. So this unit will be just for hiking/geocaching and/or whatever else a 13yo boy can think of to do with a GPS.Thanks! « Show Less
21955
Thanks for the reply, Craig!Do we need to buy the topo software directly from Garmin, or does Amazon carry it? (I couldn't find it here.) Will we need an extra memory card to hold the topo data for a region? I'm trying to figure out what the total expense will be for all the add-ons we'll want/need before we choose a unit.If you were choosing between an eTrex and a GPSMAP unit today, which would you choose?Thanks again!
21956
You have to buy Garmin's Topo US software in order to make the unit usable for hiking. It is available from Amazon. I'd say the important difference between this and the eTrex is size/weight and price. If you don't mind paying the extra money and carry something just a bit bigger and heavier, the 60Csx is a superior unit. I also use it in the car and on the bike. You can have both Topo and City Navagator software on it at the same time. You will need another memory chip into the 60Csx. I have a 1G chip that holds all the Northeast road and Topo maps.
1571921
I am going to Italy and bought the 1370T. I planned to use in pedestrian mode as well as for driving. I've tested it several times in pedestrian mode in a couple of different locations and it failed every time. Sent me in the opposite direction, missed turns, and doesn't recalculate on it's own. You have to go back to the main screen and do it manually. I don't know - maybe I got a lemon. I'm leaving in less than 2 weeks. I'll either return it and try another unit or hope it works better in driving mode. I was looking at the Tom Tom XLL, which also has European maps preloaded, but it gets mixed reviews as well. Seems a perfect GPS is yet to be created. I am going to Italy and bought the 1370T. I planned to use in pedestrian mode as well as for driving. I've tested it several times in pedestrian mode in a couple of different locations and it failed every time. Sent me in the opposite direction, missed turns, and doesn't recalculate on it's own. You have to go back to the main screen and do it manually. I don't know - maybe I got a lemon. I'm leaving in less than 2 weeks. I'll either return it and try another unit or hope it works better in driving mode. I was looking at the Tom Tom XLL, which also has European maps preloaded, but it gets... » Read More I am going to Italy and bought the 1370T. I planned to use in pedestrian mode as well as for driving. I've tested it several times in pedestrian mode in a couple of different locations and it failed every time. Sent me in the opposite direction, missed turns, and doesn't recalculate on it's own. You have to go back to the main screen and do it manually. I don't know - maybe I got a lemon. I'm leaving in less than 2 weeks. I'll either return it and try another unit or hope it works better in driving mode. I was looking at the Tom Tom XLL, which also has European maps preloaded, but it gets mixed reviews as well. Seems a perfect GPS is yet to be created. « Show Less
1149358
Sort of. It works for tracking and elevation. However it doesn't come with any topographic or trail maps. You will need to load maps if you intend to use them, which you probably do. There are free maps available to download online. I think the best site is GPS File Depot.
1942914
don't know if it would have enough memory left after the tomtom maps use up a very large chunk of the 2 gb supplied. i do use it as a backup aviation gps (load software from anywhere map). for logs (actually kml files), i have recently installed this http://www.visualgps.net/BeeLineGPS/default.htm. works like a charm :) however, to be honest, i don't know of any lightweight topo application that can be run on this.
2282666
The GPS system works great. Sometimes I turn it to label the picture locations when I'm taking photographs. I also use it with Google maps. You can download a map and get voice turn by turn directions as long as you don't take a detour. Obviously it can't recalculate when you have no wifi connection. I like to use the GPS with a downloaded GoogleMap as a substitute for a roadmap (My car has a Tom-Tom, and if I don't know where I'm going, and I'll never get there, as the Tom-Tom tends to be Wrong-Wrong because its about 200ft off. ) So I often my Hisense as a GPS assistant and as a great portable roadmap. The GPS system works great. Sometimes I turn it to label the picture locations when I'm taking photographs. I also use it with Google maps. You can download a map and get voice turn by turn directions as long as you don't take a detour. Obviously it can't recalculate when you have no wifi connection. I like to use the GPS with a downloaded GoogleMap as a substitute for a roadmap (My car has a Tom-Tom, and if I don't know where I'm going, and I'll never get there, as the Tom-Tom tends to be Wrong-Wrong because its about 200ft off. ) So I often my Hisense as a GPS assistant and as a great... » Read More The GPS system works great. Sometimes I turn it to label the picture locations when I'm taking photographs. I also use it with Google maps. You can download a map and get voice turn by turn directions as long as you don't take a detour. Obviously it can't recalculate when you have no wifi connection. I like to use the GPS with a downloaded GoogleMap as a substitute for a roadmap (My car has a Tom-Tom, and if I don't know where I'm going, and I'll never get there, as the Tom-Tom tends to be Wrong-Wrong because its about 200ft off. ) So I often my Hisense as a GPS assistant and as a great portable roadmap. « Show Less
744302
I have a Venture HC and a Nuvi 780. I have Topo US 2008 DVD and Inland Lakes Continental United States DVD. I use the mapsource PC software to put either topo or lake maps on the Venture HC. I use the lake software when trolling crankbaits to see lake map and trolling speed. I can run my trolling motor, watch depth finder, and keep an eye on the Venture HC lake map and speed to keep on course. Also have all the state planted brush pile waypoints transferred for the lake I troll. Small screen but works ok. Can also put lake or topo maps on a garmin nuvi 780.
1379868
Don't know... haven't tried that yet... usually I'm looking for GPS coordinates based on maps and general topography... a lot of times when your in between high ridges being able to read a map; thus long/lat comes into play.... because the GPS can't pick up a signal..... both are good skills to have.
704937
the best way is to be near a signal when you open the map app, keep it open. then when you drive away it will work as long as you do not close the app. That's the free type. A paid for download will be better though and that will be the same with all stand alone GPS units unless you use a built in street map one. But the dual will work great!!
2275958
My husband has a Garmin watch that he loves for training purposes. You might be better off with one of those types of products. It uses GPS to track distance traveled and gives you your pace and other things. It works with software and you can see the map of your hike and other neat features. Of course, that will cost more, but might be more useful to you.
1858734
When I emailed NG, the person responded that their software works with the 60CSx. Just one week ago I first tried to download the maps into it and found that it can not be done. I emailed back a complaint and they indicated, as you did, that it only will transfer routes and waypoints. This screwed up my opportunity to use it on a vacation from which I just returned. So, I guess I'd better change my review so I don't give someone else the same misinformation.Sorry for any confusion. I was mislead by NG.
2043415
This is kind of an odd request, in that only you can answer the "why?". What is it that YOU need or are looking for in a GPS? By reading the descriptions and a few reviews on each, you may get better information on the different feature set of each unit. A good place for professional reviews is gpsmagazine.com. FYI, all Garmin units will route you pretty much the same no matter the price.Good luck on your search.
1452067
There are so many Garmin options it's mind boggling. The nuvi 350, which I own, comes with North American maps. Looking to buy a gift for my dauughter so I explored a bit. The 200 comes with regional maps, which is basically the continental US. Since we live in Western NY, Canadian maps are useful so you need to go to a model with North America to get that. We traveled to Ireland in the spring but to get maps for Ireland you need to buy an SD card, which goes for over $100 (we left the Garmin home). Also recommend a model that says the street name in addition to 'turn right'. The units can get confused and that is a good 'verification' that you really should turn or exit. Additionally this is helpful because you should be looking at the road and not the Garmin to make sure your going the right way.
2008742
DO NOT BUY THIS GPS UNIT, I would rather buy TomTom or Garmin. Have never had this much problems with either one of them. Good luck getting map updates. Everytime I update my map the GPS unit keeps crashing during the install so I have to restore it and mess with it for 4 hours to get it to update. Also just getting the update to show up fro free on the Content Manager is a pain. It says Cost = Buy, but this unit has lifetime map update so it should be Cost = Free. For the past four years I had to uninstall and reinstall the Content Manager from it to show up for free. But this yes that trick doesn't seen to work so I have emailed tech support but no reply yet. DO NOT BUY THIS GPS UNIT, I would rather buy TomTom or Garmin. Have never had this much problems with either one of them. Good luck getting map updates. Everytime I update my map the GPS unit keeps crashing during the install so I have to restore it and mess with it for 4 hours to get it to update. Also just getting the update to show up fro free on the Content Manager is a pain. It says Cost = Buy, but this unit has lifetime map update so it should be Cost = Free. For the past four years I had to uninstall and reinstall the Content Manager from it to show up for free. But this yes that... » Read More DO NOT BUY THIS GPS UNIT, I would rather buy TomTom or Garmin. Have never had this much problems with either one of them. Good luck getting map updates. Everytime I update my map the GPS unit keeps crashing during the install so I have to restore it and mess with it for 4 hours to get it to update. Also just getting the update to show up fro free on the Content Manager is a pain. It says Cost = Buy, but this unit has lifetime map update so it should be Cost = Free. For the past four years I had to uninstall and reinstall the Content Manager from it to show up for free. But this yes that trick doesn't seen to work so I have emailed tech support but no reply yet. « Show Less
1672618
The 3.5 GB version comes with pre-loaded topo maps (hence the 62ST designation vice 62S). Not worth the extra money in my book, as you can download free (and probably better quality, though I haven't done any comparison myself) topo maps from various sites. Just google "free topo garmin maps" and you'll find them. I have the 62S (non-topo) and love it. It works great for geocaching; get a microSD card while you're at it, and you'll significantly boost that 1.7 GB. If you load topo maps, I recommend putting them on the device rather than on the card as they'll load more quickly. Hope that helps!
686769
Patrick, Like any product you get what you pay for. I've had NO problem with this GPS, any place I needed to go it took me right to the door.Not only were the established streets there so were some of the New Developements (MD). Unfortunately I haven't had to look for maps, thats the purpose of a GPS. Just put in the address and follow, if you're looking for something specific use the apps, i.e. resturants, hospitals,schools,etc. If it doesn't do what you want you can always return it. Yes there is also an app for maps, I just don't use it. Hope this helps.
1722182
I just bought the Garmin 255 and found out it has no maps downloaded.I thought it would be ready to go out of the box.It was a re-furbished unit,but I was under the impression it had everything ready for business.Was I wrong in my assumption?silverado_03
1459813
Yes, it's good, but you have to learn how to use it. Trails are marked, but you'll need to zoom down to see them. It has a lot of detail, but it displays less detail as you zoom out. I use the map on my computer in MapSource or BaseCamp to get what I need for a specific trip. Then I download to my GPS. I have used the GPS to geocache. I also use it on hiking or river trips. I've been very pleased with my Garmin maps (and I have several of them).